How to add a little color to your life

Better Homes and Gardens

There is nothing I love more than color in an interior. Color speaks to all of us in different ways, but it never fails to make us feel happy! How can you look at this space and not smile? Some of the easiest ways to add color to your life:

1) Pillows-Super easy to change out and add to any space.

2) Art-Whether you like custom high-end art or inexpensive pieces from the flea market the effect is all the same. Use it to add that pop!

3) Accessories-Sprinkle them around the house in fun unexpected colors. Even if you think they don’t go with the color scheme, use it anyways. It’s always nice to have that added surprise!

What are your favorite ways to add color to your life?

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Photo: Better Homes and Gardens

A moment in scale

If you read my post from last week, When good design goes bad, you’ll notice that I have a pet peeve for scale. It is a designers strongest arsenal but it is often the one thing that falls flat in most designs. Get it right and the room sings, get it wrong and it turns into American Idol…the bad version.

Today as I perused a few websites I came across a great example of a room that sings and one that…..well didn’t make the cut of yours truly. Here is my quick moment in scale:

1) Poor scale

One kind design

Observe the over scaled chair, mirror and chest. All perfectly good in such a large scaled room…..until you place it with buffet lamps. Yes they are tall and the color shades thankfully pull a bit of weight but not enough to make the scale RIGHT.

2) Excellent scale

Suzanne McGrath

Tall ceilings combined with a large chest and mirror seem second fiddle to the well proportioned lamps. Bold in color, tall and speak volumes (pun intended) compared to the previous example. A much better choice when getting RIGHT! Wouldn’t you agree? Can you see the difference??

What are some of your biggest challenges when handling scale?

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Novica

If you are wondering what to buy that special someone for Christmas this year I recently came across an online company Novica.com that has all kinds of great stuff. They are associated with National Geographic and provide a platform for global artisans to sell their unique, hand-made items to those who wouldn’t normally be able to reach them….like you and me. Novica basically bridges the gap between artisan and consumer.

When it comes to home decor I am finding it harder and harder to find items that are unique and one-of-a-kind, so I can appreciate an online store dedicated to items that are special. My industry is getting mass produced and knocked off faster and faster each year and the art of hand crafted products is quickly becoming a dying art. So I decided to order a Carnelian necklace to see how the process worked and I was curious to see if shipping from a place like India would be a difficult process. It took a little over a week to arrive but it was well worth the wait.

After opening the package I assumed the necklace would be in a plastic ziploc bag as most of the natural necklaces sold in the USA are sold this way. Again, to my surprise it was enclosed in a silk box.

The necklace is great and I’ve been wearing it everyday. But they also have really great rugs, home decor items, and furniture pieces. Not to mention really great Eco Friendly belts, earrings and natural flower jewelry. They also have a great selection of Quartz jewelry which is great in the winter time for an energetic pick-me-up! Definitely worth a look. For more info you can find them at their website: Novica.com

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3 design techniques to increase your business’ bottom line

Office Design for the Future in one Easy Plan

By Amanda Gates, AB Home Interiors

Last month we spoke about “3 Simple Design Techniques Built to Improve Your Business’ Bottom Line.” I wanted to talk a little more about this subject as I really feel that it is important that your office space reflect your future and not your reality…

You are probably thinking ‘what the heck is she talking about’, so let me explain a little further. Many of us get stuck in a funk, if you will. We work day in and day out wondering when we will get our “big break.” The other day, someone said to me. “It took me years to be an overnight success.” Now think about that just for a minute. So many times we see successful people and from the surface it looks like they got there “overnight,” but that just is never the case and we forget that it takes much longer to reach our visions for our business than simply one day. But, continually as I work with successful entrepreneurs to redesign their office spaces, I hear the same things over and over. ‘I surrounded myself with what I wanted and didn’t dwell on where I was at any exact moment.’

Well, this got me to thinking…should the same not hold true with your office space? If you worked in an office space that “screamed” success, would you not feel more like a success? If you started making decisions from where you want to be rather than where you are right now, would you not work harder to quickly make that vision a reality? Next time you enter your office I want you to ask yourself, “does this look like the office of someone that is a success?” If not, do something about it. Remember the simplest changes can have you looking at your business in a whole new light.

If you would like some ideas or tips on how to give your office the aura of success then feel free to contact me for an on-line phone consultation where I can give you some quick tips and ideas that you can easily implement to change your office from drab to fab!!

If you’d like to receive this powerful FREE call, sign-up here to get instant access to it! I am sure that you will be as excited to hear this class as I was to offer it!! If you have any questions after listening to this class, please feel free to email me.

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Entertaining-A guide to proper invitation etiquette with Coryanne Ettiene

Housewifebliss

Today I sit down with Corryanne Ettiene from Housewife Bliss, to discuss the proper do’s and don’ts of sending an invitation; a true art of entertaining. It is hard to imagine, but just a few short years ago entertaining was considered a socially routine practice, and people actually looked forward to, and made time for such events. GAASP! Entertaining was considered fun a host took pride in sending out invitations and holding a party in her home. (Oh domestic bliss and feminine power how far we have come)…..But now a days it seems that people spend more time crafting the perfect story why they just can’t make it…or worse they assume the host KNOWS that they won’t be coming.(aren’t we all telepathically connected to a USB port to know such things? …Oh wait we are, it’s called a computer)

In an oxymoronic age where people have a justified rationality for disposable everything, but somehow also want to have a green mentality, it’s hard to make sense of proper etiquette in a time with such convaluted rules. Being courteous and polite were once customary practices, however, it seems that in today’s reality driven, hyper-fame paradise we call America, all we know how to do is hide behind our emails, text messages and pessimistic nature. One of my favorite sayings that my grandmother always said is, “A woman’s beauty lasts only as long as her disposition stays sweet”. Although her dynasty was built entirely on class, sophistication and a 1950′s Continental Mark II Lincoln, grandma is the template of domestic perfection. While I don’t strive to be so organized, animated and pulled together, I do feel that every grandma in America could teach our youth a thing or two about manners. Especially when they can’t make up their mind whether to be activist hippies, or reality driven expendables that are dumber than a box of rocks! But I digress, once again.

In a society devoid of many social etiquette practices, I had some very specific questions from the domestic goddess herself, Coryanne Ettiene:

1) Decorative invites or save a tree

Amanda- Is is socially acceptable to send out decorative invites with so many tree-hugging, prius driving hippies that fantasize about a world without decorative tree killing

invitations?

[/caption]

CoryAnne-Ah yes, that old chestnut and a rather hard nut to crack, because you are not going to please everyone all the time. But if you are inviting me to a dinner party, please send me a nice pretty invitation that I can put on my mantle and enjoy while I am dusting the living room. Rest assured, I am going to love your invitation, and when I remove it from my mantle it will go in the recycling bin to please my inner eco-warrior.

2) To email or not

Amanda- Are there happy alternatives to invitations that are not tree murderers, but not trendy, non-personal shortcuts like email invites?

Postcard invite~love this idea!

Hug a tree

Coryanne-Eco-invitations on recycled paper are very popular and nearly every stationary shop has an eco option. Some invitations are made from 100% recycled paper and others are creative combinations of recycling cards to create a new product. With anything, spending a little money will get you a fabulous product, after all, you get what you pay for.

Forgoing the formal invitation in an envelope, a second option is for a bespoke post card invitation, they require less postage, less paper and still send the message that you are planning a fabulous evening.

3) Where to shop

Amanda-What are some of the best places to get invitations?

Etsy

Coryanne-Etsy is full of budding stationary shops that embody the eco-chic image and philosophy. Like all stationary, your taste and style will navigate you towards a particular company.

4) When to use a paper invite

Amanda-I typically forego the fancy-schmancy invite to summon the neighbors, and opt for more booze, so what are good reasons to send an invite that travels it’s way through the postal service?

[/caption]

Coryanne-So little mail is delivered to my mail box that when a card arrives, I beam with excitement and appreciate the gesture that went into selecting the invitation, addressing it (by hand), paying for postage and dropping it in the outgoing mail box. It lets me know that my attendance is requested, sought after and that the host is planning a beautiful event that has been carefully thought out.

5) Invitation must-haves

Amanda- What are things to consider when sending a formal invitation?

Entertaining, a party invite

invitations

Coryanne -When drafting up an invitation, keep the following in mind:

1. Who is hosting the party;

2. Why is the party happening;

3. When is the party:

4. Where is the party;

5. What is required from your guest at the party (dress code, instructions for a surprise party, not to bring gifts for an anniversary party, et all);

6. How and when to RSVP;

Remember that the invitation sets the tone for the party, and should match the theme of your party. Sending out a standard creme invitation for a Cruise Themed party will confuse your guests. Set the tone right with the invitation and you will have guests arriving on time looking forward to a great event.

6) How to send and receive

Amanda-What is the proper etiquette for sending and receiving an invite?

Entertaining etiquette

Coryanne-There are so many answers to this question, however when I send out an invitation, I do so 6-4 weeks in advance of a formal event, this allows my guests time to consider their social calendar and RSVP in plenty of time for me to plan a successful event. If I have not heard from an invited guest, I always follow up with a phone call to ensure they received my invitation and secure a final head count before I start planning my evening– the post office is lovely, but things do get lost in the mail and I would loathe to think that an invited guest did not receive thier invitation.

As a guest I always respond promptly to a host by thanking them for the invitation, and confirming my plans with them. This takes all the guess work away from playing host and is always well received.

Ultimate Craft Room / Olin Rug in All Rugs | Crate&Barrel

Coryanne, I cannot thank-you enough for taking the time to answer our invitation etiquette questions today! You are the domesticated goddess. For more on Corryanne and her wealth of information on everything to do with the home, you can her at Housewifebliss.com

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images: We hear it, design by bittersweet, the sweetest occasion, hgtv, Recy

Posted: September 19, 2011 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Entertaining | How-to's | Lifestyle | Entertaining, etiquette, invitations, parties, party planning 3 Comments AB Homes Interiors Blog

Floral Arrangements Made Easy

Florals, is there anything more beautiful than a flower? You have heard me say it before, I love me some flowers. Dare I say as much as I love vodka? Maybe that’s why I am so attracted to dragon and passion fruit flavors. It’s the best of both my worlds. To me, flowers are one of God’s greatest creations. They are sweet, kind, charming, beautiful and captivating. Pretty much all the things I strive to be so I surround myself in them.

Floral arrangements often intimidate a lot of people. They enjoy them, but would never attempt them. The shear idea of making a floral arrangement sends most people into a downward spiral. The good news? They are just flowers folks, not liability insurance claims. And I have to admit, they used to scare me too. But flowers are very forgiving, and so is floral design…..especially the approch I take! Heres how to get your floral arrangements in tip top shape.

1) Use florals that are simple

The easiest way to create a charming floral arrangement? Make one that it simple. I find that the simplest, easiest arrangements are the ones that create the biggest stir amongst my guests. Take this rose in a coke bottle. It is sweet and honors one of our favorite past times, drinking a coke. This is a perfect arrangement for a casual get together amongst friends, or an intimate dinner for two.

2) Small bouquets

Simple florals

Along with keeping things simple, keep things small. No need for big elaborate florals. While the eighties were a great time for many things, we have learned that BIG is not always the best. Big florals are so passe and yesterday. Small floral designs are pleasant and pleasing to the eyes. Especially if you use different types of flowers. Experiment, have fun and make your tabletop as delightful as the food!

3) Floral designs

Pave floral arrangement

Another misconception is that florals need to be fancy, have elaborate designs, and have exotic flowers with feathery crap hanging out of it. Not true. Some of the most dramatic, and stunning arrangements consist of one flower. Known as Pave arrangements, these floral arrangements typically use roses, but can consist of orchids, carnations, peonies, or even artichokes. ( No nibbling on the florals until the event is over!) For more tips on making a pave arrangement click here at Design Sponges’ top tips on making this simple centerpiece.

4) Aromatherapy

In general, I don’t follow rules very well. No I don’t choose to be a menace to society for the shear purpose of staking my claim on the universe. It’s more of an attitude of acquired taste, and realization that “I followed the rules for years and look where it got me?” kinda thing. Not to mention that when I am 80 I am allowed to do and say what ever I want…so why not start now?

OK, so what the heck does this nonsense have to do with flowers, rules and aromatherapy? (Did I mention that I also have A.D.D tendency’s?) The so-called experts say that flowers on the dinner table should not be aromatic. And to some degree I do agree with this statement, but not entirely. Rules are made to be broken. Flowers that are extremely aromatic, like Lilies, should be avoided on the dinner table. However roses, (which have been cross bred so many times have very little scent) are perfectly fine. So throw caution to the wind and wing it. If you like them and they compliment either your dinner or festivities and won’t be disruptive, go with your gut and do what you want to. Throw those bras in the fire!

5) Arranging your florals

Yes it is a center piece, but it isn’t the center of the universe. It should be treated more like Pluto, and regardless of what you think, it’s still a planet! Keep your arrangements low, so your guests can enjoy one another. (Unless it’s John Baener sitting across from you, then you may want as many distractions as possible) Floral arrangements should never interrupt someones conversation forcing them to bob and weave like Phoebe running in the park. They are there to add color, texture and beauty. An underestimated, but expected detail that shouldn’t require training for the olympics. Make it easy, keep it simple and you’ll have beautiful florals every time.

Ready to get your room started? Contact us. We offer an array of services to meet your design needs whether you live in our area, or out of state. Click here for more info!

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images: Martha Stewart, google, design sponge, the brides cafe

Remodeling series-week 11

Mrs S corner dilemma

OK, So remember this issue last week? (shown above) The question was, what to do with the corner? Butte joint or miter?? Well after careful consideration and much thought, I decided that a cut miter was the way to go. So Ritchie, laid the radiant flooring first…..

Radient flooring

And then he poured a fine layer of thin set on top, and started laying the tile border. (and you can see my mitered corner)

Thin set covers radient floors

And here is my mitered corner up close..may I say, perfection?

Mitered corner here in the right bottom corner--------------->

I have to say it was the right choice, a butte joint would have looked undone, and personally, like I laid the tile…no one wants that!

View from the water closet

The entire week was pretty much consumed with laying tile, measuring, and cutting. The shower was completed,

Shower interior

and with much excitement, the floor is complete!

Bathroom entrance

And seriously, would the floor look this beautiful if the black marble border was not in it? Mrs S was really concerned about the black border and I told her to just trust me…..and I have to say, it completely makes the floor! Thank-you Mrs S for trusting me, and taking a leap of faith…

Floor from closet

Stunning. It is really starting to take shape! The vanities are now in production, and the fancy back splash is being ordered this week.

Fancy backsplash

iPhoto

Now this is where I advised Mrs S to throw caution to the wind. There are places to cut the budget to keep things in line, and there are places where expense is absolutely necessary. The backsplash for this bathroom was an area that needed those extra dollars, and where they mattered. Mrs S has what I call the “a” wall vanity. Meaning the most visible vanity, most visible wall in the whole bathroom. Her space is the first point of contact, or introduction to the bathroom. A great “how do you do” if you will. So her vanity, backsplash, mirror, sconces….everything needs to be stunning. This back splash ties everything together, but more importantly it’s classic, timeless and beautiful. Remember when Mrs S and I went back to the plumbing store to reselect our plumbing fixtures? Well we went back to re-select plumbing fixtures that brought the budget down, to offset the cost of this border tile. At $106 a piece, (yes each 4×12 piece is $106) and we need approximately 13-15 pieces, something had to give! But I guarantee that this is going to make the bathroom!

Week 11 in all it’s glory…..Progress!

If you missed week one, click here.

If you missed week two, Click here

If you missed week three, click here

If you missed week four and five, click here

If you missed week six, click here

If you missed week seven, click here

If you missed week eight, click here

If you missed week nine, click here!

If you missed week ten, click here

Have questions? See something that you want more clarification on? Send me your comments and let us know your thoughts. We will post questions and answers here on the blog.

Ready to get your room started? Contact us. We offer an array of services to meet your design needs whether you live in our area, or out of state. Click here for more info!

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Posted: August 4, 2011 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Before and after | How-to's | bathrooms | design | design 101 | design education | remodeling | tile design | bathroom remodel, bathroom remodel ideas, bathroom tile, bathroom vanities, marble floors, master bathroom, Nashville bathroom, planning a bathroom, radient floors, remodeling, remodeling help in brentwood tn, shower installation, shower tile, tile installation 4 Comments AB Homes Interiors Blog

New home decor trends that everyone will love

Every year new things hit the home decor market and they are considered a trend until the market has had a chance to respond to it. Lately, that means most folks are going to respond as quick as a Debbie Gibson concert coming to town. However, if that trend is strong and the general public creates a demand, that trend officially becomes a movement. Like a Justin Bieber youtube video. (AHHhhh, it’s so exciting!) I saw this occur with the blue and brown trend, a color combo that was introduced in 2001/2002. My staff and I were utilizing this trend in our model homes in Las Vegas. Profiles given to us by the builder as to the type of homeowner that was considered their key target market to buy that specific home. Husband and wife, two kids, a dog….etc, as Leave it to Beaver as it gets.Most of our model homes were geared towards young urban couples, so we always used up and coming trends that were considered fresh and new. Blue and brown combos were just that. A small trend we were seeing in art and fabrics, but hardly anything we considered a craze. We had no idea that five years later the blue and brown trend would still be a very strong movement in home decor and still prevalent today. Apparently the market liked and demanded it!

In my opinion,( the one that really counts) trends in small doses are wonderful ways to update your home. They freshen it up, and don’t break the bank if they have ran their course. So what are this years fashionable trends in home decor that seem to have sticking power?

1) Horses

Black and white stallion

Yee-haw! OK not exactly. This has been a trend that I have seen growing in popularity in the last year. Now I realize that Ralph Lauren made equestrian lifestyles uber cool and chic as a brand, but not everyone feels they can hang a horse on the wall unless they live in Arizona, or Colorado. However my friends that is just not true! I have seen horses in many art galleries, accessories, and fabrics, all in very new chic ways. This piece above is a high quality giclee in a beautiful white and black textured canvas, stretched to 47×47. This piece would work beautifully in any style home, and is a great conversation piece in the dining room or family room. Can y’all say, Giddy-up!

2) Vintage Throws

Apartment therapy

Vintage sari throws

This trend started about two years ago and has progressively grown more and more popular. Vintage sari throws are hand stitched by women in India using fair trade practices, that pay them fairly for their craft. Sari throws are perfect blankets to keep in the family room, or bedroom to cozy up to. I recently added them to the store and they have been wildly popular. What I love most about them is they are very colorful, are similar to a quilts, but have a more updated and chic feel to them. They are also a fabulous way to add color and texture to a room that doesn’t have to match your existing decor, love that!

3) Wallpaper

Wallpaper

This paper by anthropologie ,shown above, is actually two trends in one. (see pink below) Wallpaper, yes I said it, is a huge trend that is coming back in a big way. I know many people cringe at the thought, and have bad memories of floating fairies, or angelic fat babies floating in clouds with harps. You may even envision nightmares of trying to get the stuff off the wall with a belt sander and the cat, but wallpaper is making a huge comeback, and with new technologies in adhesives, you no longer have to worry about permanent damage to your walls, or end up with a hairless cat. Pretty, stylish and super fun. ( No harley’s were harmed during the typing of this post.)

4) Pink

Pink

Another huge trend, pink! Pink is a lovely color that is often overlooked, and underestimated. It is a soft, soothing color that is great in small doses around your home. It is a color that goes with everything,( yes everything), and is also an uplifting color. Couldn’t we all use a little of that in our homes?

5) Collections

Cocktail shakers

Sid DIckens memory blocks

Whether you collect cocktail shakers, art , or bugs in acrylic molds, collections that are displayed well are very smart for your bank account and great for home decor. Bugs in particular have been a huge growing trend in the home decor industry. I will spare you a picture because personally, they give me the creepy crawlies, but collections have become very cool. And I ain’t talking precious moments here. I am talking a collection of something that is vintage, uber cool or retains a value once no longer available. Take a vintage cocktail shaker. Great for booze, but even better as an investment,… some go for a cool stack of High society, (that’s 10 g’s for all y’all laymen’s) Cha-ching! Bugs? Well depending on what type, and who’s asking, can go for several hundred bucks. And art, well that always goes up in value. Sid Dicken tiles are one of my favorites. They are accessible to the masses at an affordable price, but once retired, go up in value. Some go for three to six hundred dollars! And since the banks can’t seem to give interest above two pennies a year, collections are definitely a trend I would invest in!

What are some of your favorite trends this year?

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images: AB HOME, apartment therapy, anthropologie

How to update your home without the cost of adding on

According to this article by STL today, in order to get the best return on your home there are five remodeling projects that get you the most bang for your buck. But like most cities, Nashville is a city with a lot of history, style and small homes. Maxwell coffee started here, Vanderbilt’s, and of course, country music. At the turn of the century many every day folks lived in wonderfully small bungalows, not in the suburbs where many of today’s urbanites find sprawling square footage! Thankfully, because of our history we have some of the most quaint neighborhoods and homes that I have ever seen. Edgehill, Sylvan park, 12 South, Berry hill, Downtown Franklin, just to name a few. Several of my client’s live in these beautiful areas, and they take pride in their wonderfully small bungalows. But how do you maximize and update a cracker jack lifestyle, two kids, and a dog when trying to salvage your homes original charm? It’s hard to imagine a massive remodel, that includes exploding that home’s charm out into the garden, just to suit the needs of your 21st century lifestyle. So what do you do if you live in a smaller space and a remodel is not an option? Heres how to get an update without the cost of adding on!

1) Taller doors

Tall doors

Taller doors give the illusion of more space in your home. Have you ever walked into a small family room that had vaulted ceilings? Often, when there is added height, the space creates it’s own optical illusion and you don’t feel cramped. Same goes for the doors. Taller doors give you the illusion that there is more space, and they also allow more light to flood into the space. An added bonus is painting them something special. Like the photo above, this home’s kitchen is very small, however, the beautifully tall, GREEN, doors take your attention away from the obvious, and makes the space spectacular! Here is a great place to find stylish doors, that are tall and affordable.

Designer tip: Can’t afford to replace and remodel your doors from 6’8 to 8′? Add pediments, antique windows or mirrors above your doors. It will give you the added affect, and won’t break the break.

2) Raise the drapes

Tall drapes

Just like raising the doors, raise your drapes all the way up to the bottom of the crown. Drapes add softness to a space, and draw your eye upward. For additional illusion select colors for your walls, trim and drapes in a similar color.

Designer tip: Add features to the top of your drapes like grommets, ribbon, or buttons. The added texture creates shadowing and more weight to the top of the drape.

3) Extended cabinets

Taller cabinets

Instead of choosing the ever-popular and standard 42″ upper cabinet, opt for the 36″ cabinet and top it with a 12″ upper with glass. As with the drapes and doors, it extends the eye up and the glass adds sparkle. The 12″ uppers can have lights placed inside them, grabbing the eyes attention with light. It is a great way to display some of your more special china, and also makes your space look more custom.

Designer tip: Already have a good kitchen in place and not about to remodel your kitchen? Paint your ceiling the same color as your wall, and add rope lighting or LED ribbon to the top of your cabinets. It will be harder for the eye to discern where the wall and ceiling meet, and the lights will help expand the space up.

4) Mirrors

Vintage mirrors

Mirrors add sparkle, grab and bounce light, and reflect objects from different angles. They are superb weapons for a small space.

Designer tip: You can never have enough mirrors!

5) Rug

Small Rug

Instead of choosing a small rug, go for the largest one that your room can fit. The photo above is a great example, by Southern Living, on making a too small rug, work.

Large rug

Many homeowners want to put a small rug in their small room, for fear of covering the floors! Above, this photo is a great example of extending the eye with a sisal rug, and then adding color and texture with a beautiful hide. If the rug option you have is too small for the room, layer it with one or two rugs to add texture and color. Otherwise the eye will only devote attention to the rug thats in a small room.

What are some of your favorite tricks?

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images: houzz, kitchen cabinets, elements of style, simply seductive, emily clarke

Style and how to get it in 3 easy steps

When it comes to style decorating, sometimes homeowners get overwhelmed.(OK a lot overwhelmed!) They obsess trying to make their homes look like the magazines, or that TV show. But the warmest, most charming homes, are those with personal mementos that show your personal style off. (Won’t find that in a magazine.) In fact, I attended a magazine staging for Better homes and gardens last December and the entire shoot focuses on how the room looks through the camera lens. Flowers adjusted, lamps tweaked, and furniture placed just right. Literally everything is just so! Now I am a huge fan and reader of BHG. Their style is relaxed, easy and accessible to the everyday homeowner, however, remember that people don’t live in those pages.

How do you get that room from the magazine, but put your personal style in it? Here are three of my favorite tips.

1) Family photos

Family

There is nothing more personal than family. And who shares the best memories of happiness, love, sadness, and humor with you? Your family does! Turn them into your best decor and show them off. Nothing uplifts and supports you like family, honor them by making them a show piece in your home.

2) Color palette

Color

Nothing is more personal than color. Sure there are always those colors that are considered on trend. But most people have a color that they love, and while the intensity of that hue may change over the years, most homeowners stick to it. For anyone who has taken my design class, I talk about my mother and her love affair with mint green.

Mint paint. Moms FAVORITE color

Everything in our house when I was growing up centered around this color. Everything! The house trim, the tile in our kitchen, the floors…. Even today she has mint green bowls, dishes, a Kitchen Aid mixer, furniture, all of it mint green. Mom has never veered from the mint green ideology. If it’s mint, she loves it! When I SEE mint I think of her. That’s personal style! Color is intrinsic to who we are and it inspires us and our homes.

3) Art

Personal art

You have heard me say it before, I love art. And nothing is more personal than art. The art that you like, may not be what I like, and vice versus. Art is one of the best ways to add personal style to your home. Art inspires you and is uniquely you. A great way to show off your style, and make your home special.

What are some of your favorite tricks?

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images: The birds papaya, house tweaking, desire to inspire

6 things you can do now for an instant home makeover, that won’t break the bank

So you have decided it’s time to decorate, or maybe redecorate your home. You are excited, overzealous about all the things you’re going to do, and you are equipped with all the necessary inspiration: the magazine clippings, the home shows set on your DVR and plenty of decorating books to boot. There’s no way you can fail! Then you realize how much one room will cost. Oh dear, you think, I was planning on doing the whole house! SO what can you do? Here are my top tips to get the biggest bang for your buck with the best impact.

1) First rule of thumb-dont try to do everything all at once!

Trying to do it all at once

One of the biggest mistakes most homeowners make, they try to do it all at once! Believe it or not, decorating your home is overwhelming. There are a lot of decisions that need to be made, it takes a lot of time, and it can get expensive. Instead of trying to do several rooms all at once, keep your sanity and do one room at a time. Trust me, when you do it slowly you have more focus and actually enjoy the process. It isn’t a race so take your time!

2) Paint-least expensive with the biggest punch

Paint

Designers and the like preach this over and over again. Paint is by far the most prolific tool we pocess. Why? Nothing can transform a room like a fresh, new coat of paint. Think about it. If your room was white and you paint it a deep eggplant, that has an immediate look that changes that space. Nothing can create mood, drama, and change better than paint. And if you are trying to keep things budget friendly, or simply test the waters, paint is the best improvement to start your decorating.

3) Moldings. Base, crown, and waincoting

Molding

Never underestimate the power of moldings! It can add instant sophistication and detail to a room. Molding is inexpensive, and easy to install. Designer tip: Many homeowners want to do their own moldings to save cash. But keep in mind that your resources are limited compared to a professionals. I alone have three molding companies in my back pocket, that provide beautiful moldings that few have ever seen! Not to mention I get terrific pricing on those materials. Most homeowners run to their nearest home improvement store to find their materials. While they have moldings to choose from, their selection are limited, and costly. I would also recommend hiring a professional to install them. My contractor can install a rooms molding in one day. If you are really short on cash and you are a terrific carpenter, then install it yourself. However, my experieince has seen that when a homeowner installs it, it turns into a month long project. One day of labor to hire a professional installer is much less than a months worth of your valuable time.

4) Move your furniture around

Repurpose and move furniture

Don’t stay married to your furniture arrangements. Mix things up! For some reason I find that clients can’t envision their sofa in the next room, or a chair from the living room placed in their bedroom sitting area. Tear everything up, place it in the center of the room and then rearrange everything in other parts of the house. It sounds scary, but I promise it creates a fresh and exciting look, without costing anything other than time!

5) Move art

AB HOME art

Like furniture, most of my clients hang their art on a wall and only envision it on that first wall it was ever hung on…until of course they move. Don’t feel like your art has to be stationary. Move it around. Like paint it is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to update your home, and give it an instant facelift!

6) Paint your cabinets

Painted cabinets

Don’t have the budget dollars to remodel? Update your kitchen by painting your cabinets. In the past three years I have had many clients opt for this update, instead of completely remodeling and gutting their kitchen. This is a great way to update, change and spend a third of the money a typical remodel would cost.

Harley

‘Scuse me! Why have I not been on the blog???? Hmmmm? I am the most important contributor to this space on the web!

Thats right, I am the best putty cat on the web. Damn straight! Find more of my awesomeness on facebook!

Ready to get your room started? Contact us. We offer an array of services to meet your design needs whether you live in our area, or out of state. Click here for more info!

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images: flickr, design sponge, oh happy day, small shop studio, traditional home, quinntessence

Monday’s quick tips to getting organized

Always on the hunt for clever ideas to get us organized (in the easiest possible way) here are more Monday tips to keep you on track to organizational bliss!

1) Everyday items in new ways

Letter baskets

Take an everyday letter basket and hang on the back of your pantry door, or on a kitchen wall and place fresh fruit in them. Easy storage, attractive and super easy to use!

2) Jewelry Storage:

Jewelry organization

Using an old fruit box, pepsi box, or plain ol’ 2×4 wood, use a box with antique spools and create a beautiful display to hang and organize your jewelry and turn it into wall art!

3) Desk storage:

Desk storage

Using old tins, or containers place several tins in a desk drawer to organize everyday items in your office for easy access and efficient use. Martha Stewart has a beautiful version of this with antique bowls that can be used for jewelry, office tools, and keys.

Harley cat

Organization is key when storing kitty toys, otherwise you have no idea where they are. I suggest you have a decorative bowl like mine placed on a table, and make sure the human restocks it daily so at a moments notice you are ready to play! I don’t have time nor the patience to figure out where I left them….

Harley toys

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images: pinterest

Organization 101: Monday’s quick tips

Over the last month our office has been in the dust, literally. We have been in the midst of a remodel shifting items from one side of the studio, to the other and then back again. And as you can imagine, it’s close to a nightmare trying to stay organized with this chaos. Now more than ever I am craving organization, and a swiffer!

Luckily for us the major things are done and we can get back to work! It was a great week, we started to get the paint up on the walls, the phones back in place and I got to meet one of my readers, Gretchen and her husband! They own a lovely home here in town that needs some Design TLC, so my team and I will be heading to their home this week to share in the design love. Can’t wait! Here are some of our tips to keep us on track with our organizational goals.

1) Antique cabinet:

Antique cabinet

Antique cabinets like this are great to help get you organized. Ever heard the term, “Hiding in plain site?” This acts as a great piece of furniture in your home but quietly doubles as an organizational ninja. This can easily organize bills that are due, kids projects, monthly events, and much more. Once you have the system in place it is easy to follow, and a cabinet like this makes it fun, really!

2) Cord management:

Cord management

I see this more as a temporary solution, but this system by Oboiler is super easy to put in place, and covers your cords in a snap. It’s a charming way to avoid unsightly cords and I think this would be great in an office where cords take over. I could even see these painted in fun colors to add an extra unexpected detail.

3) Office envy

Pottery barn organization system

I wish I could claim to be THIS organized…..but I’m not. However, I have used this system many times for clients, so that counts, right? This is a great system for busy familys on the go. I have also used this in craft rooms, sewing rooms, hobby rooms, and mud rooms. The calendars shown above are great to place in a mud room inside each persons locker. It keeps their daily events in check, and no one forgets where to be!

4) Everyday in new ways:

Lid management

Not every home has a butlers pantry, or sufficient cabinet storage. I don’t know about y’all, but cooking pans turn tedious when it comes to their lids! One of my favorite tips (compliments of the Queen herself) is to use everyday towel bars from your home improvement store to organize your lids. I have used this system in free standing peices of furniture, and I have installed the bars directly on the walls in the kitchen or adjacent hall as functional art. Super easy to install and even better to use!

Ready to get your room started? Contact us. We offer an array of services to meet your design needs whether you live in our area, or out of state. Click here for more info!

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Harley Cat

Harley’s attempt at decorating the office……”How do I look?” Black, white, and yellow. “Mom seriously this is perfection!”

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images: sycamore street, Oboiler, pottery barn, Martha Stewart

Cleaning 101: How to clean in record time

I hate cleaning and as a child I always daydreamed of adulthood. It would bestow upon me no responsibility, reckless abandonment, and a carefree lifestyle. As an adult I could do whatever I want…

Fast forward seventeen years and now I daydream of being a kid again doing little to no chores and stressing about whether Shane B. from the football team really likes me.

Cleaning is awful, but we have to do it. Well actually you don’t have to do anything, but when I come to your house and it’s clean, I really do appreciate it! Not to mention a clean house lessons your stress load, and lifts your mood. Think about it. When you leave the house in a hurry and forget to make the bed, clean the dishes and pick up your clothes, what do you come home to at the end of the day? Chaos. And when it’s a bad day, the last thing you need is more chaos! Here are my top tips to lighten the load and make it a breeze to do.

Source

1) Stay focused

This has got to be the best tip I have and if you take my advice on this, you will save an hour. I am about as ADD as they come. I start to pick up and straighten the house and five hours later I have accomplished nothing and started 20 different tasks. Get out the kitchen timer. Write down all the things that need to be done in a weeks time. Break it down into two to three items at 30 minutes tops a day. Knowing that the timer is going will keep you going, and the list will keep you focused.

2) Flash Cards

I learned this trick years ago and still use it today. Keep 7 flash cards for all the chores that need to be done in a week for your home. Limit 2-4 chores per card. Keep the flash cards in a recipe box, junk drawer or cupboard. Randomly pick out a card each day. Whatever the chores are on the card is what gets done that day. Set your timer (preferably 30 minutes) for the flash card pulled. Once those chores are complete separate that card from the rest of the chores that have not been done for that week. This keeps chores manageable, and not so routine. Sometimes I vacuum on Tuesday’s and sometimes is gets done on Saturday.

Source

3) Straightening up

Keep baskets, or attractive tubs around the house that are labeled or distinctive in some fashion. For example, keep baskets at the top and bottom of stairs, if items need to be taken upstairs they can be thrown into the baskets and hauled upstairs when someone uses them or vice versa. Also, keep baskets or tubs in various rooms for quick clean up. Toys, magazines, and misc items can be quickly thrown into them to organize and straighten up a room until you have time to distribute the items to their original location.

4) Lint rollers

Like Vodka, these little guys are multitaskers. They can quickly clean upholstery, lamp shades, headboards and chair cushions at record speeds. They are great at quickly rolling over placemats if you don’t have time to wash them.

Handheld Vacuums
Invest in the best you can afford because these are perfect for in between cleans. They can quickly pick up crumbs, dust bunnies, little messes and allow you to go longer without the big mammoth vacuum.

Source

5) Newspapers

Get out the cheap Vodka and wipe down all your counters and glass surfaces with newspapers. It is the greenest way to clean possible, cheap, and won’t leave streaks!

Baking Soda
Whatever the Vodka can’t clean the baking soda will take care of. Mixed with water it has the necessary grit to scrub anything clean, but is gentle enough to not harm hands, pets or kids. It is also a green product and wont hurt the environment!

Unfortunately it is a part of adulthood no one ever told us about. I was under the elusion that it meant eating ice cream for breakfast, pancakes for dinner and staying up till 3am just because I felt like it. And while I can do all those things, no one told me I’d have to clean up the messes I made at 3am. ( the pancake syrup really sticks if it isn’t cleaned up right away!)

‘If you want to see me, come on over. If you want to see my house, call ahead.’”

Melissa Taylor, Denver, Colorado

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3 ways to make party punch more interesting and fun

Source

Most adults will agree that the school dance without punch just wasn’t a dance at all. And thanks to Angie Sanders, the coolest senior in High School, I learned that punch was way more interesting and fun with booze! But between you, me, and the fencepost, I’ll never admit that to my mother because according to my bent truth, I didn’t start drinking the magic juice until my early twenties. ( but I swear that woman has eyes in the back of her head and she knows more then she’s saying!)

Source

Fast forward to now and most adults still like punch but eventually the day comes when punch just isn’t enjoyable and we forget to make it. In this A.D.D generation of the ‘grass is always greener elsewhere’ we crave variety. I personally crave all things easy and find my thoughts wandering to an easier time of school dances, endearing crushes on boys like David Thompson and fruity punch. As we approach this fall season amidst record breaking highs, punch not only seems appropriate, but refreshing and fun!

AB HOME’S Adult Party Punch

1 C Sugar

1 C Water

4 C Orange Juice

1C Lemon juice

1 C strong tea

6 Sprite zeros

As much vodka as you need

(I recommend generous amounts)

1) Tip number one- Roll lemons or limes on a hard surface with the heel of your hand before cutting. This softens the fruit from the protective wall, and makes squeezing fresh juice much easier.

2) Tip two-For this holiday season, make punch more fun by hollowing out a pumpkin and using it as a punch bowl for Halloween. Serve up in mason jars filled with a few slices of fruit for extra flavor

Source

3) Tip 3-Soak apricots, fresh or frozen in Vodka for three to four weeks and store in the fridge in a sealed mason jar. The day of the party put flavored fruit into the pumpkin with punch and let sit for an hour before you serve. Use remainder of vodka (as much as you need) to flavor punch.

Boil sugar and water together for approximately ten minutes. Add tea and chill. When you are ready to serve punch mix everything together and pour into the pumpkin with ice. For extra amusement, you can also float strawberries, cherries, lemon and orange slices on top for decoration; in my opinion this makes the punch a nutritious and a well balanced meal!

Gulp Drink up!

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Brentwood Interior Designer, Amanda Gates It’s all in the Details

Decorative accessories provide the finishing touches in a room. Even the best basics, like the little black dress, will fall flat without the garnishment of beautiful pearls, a little gold, and the perfect shoes. Sure, the little black dress is lovely, but it has the potential to be so much better.

Shane Reilly

Putting the finishing touches on your little black dress are no different from accessorizing your home. Adding a few carefully selected pieces will transform the ordinary humdrum into something extraordinary. Remember my post on lifestyles? Accessories are THE single best way to underline, with an exclamation point, who you are.

Accessories not be of the same cloth, either. In fact, just like all my other posts have stated, it is all in the mix. It is much more appealing to combine new and old, fine art with flea market finds, and hand-me-downs with the newly purchased finds. Every season, or every so often, change your perspective, rearrange and move things around. Too often clients will assign an item to a location and see it as fixed, unable to move it from the sublime ether of existence. My recommendation? Take two or three rooms and tear everything out of it. Put every item in the center of a room and start rearranging. This is a terrific way to get a fresh look, and it moves everything around, creating an exciting new look. You’ll be surprised at all the incredible arrangements you come up with that blend beautifully. Who knew?!

Evelyn Benatar

As my captive audience I’m sure you are wondering, ‘Ok now I have all my stuff in the center of the room, now what?’ Such talented pupils you are! Ask yourself a few questions before you get started: 1) Is there a pattern with my accessories? For example, do I have a group of trinkets such as Snow globes, medicine bottles, or candy wrappers that can be classified as a collection? If so, these are items that can be grouped together on a bookshelf or side table to showcase your collectible. 2) Is there anything I do not need? Do I LOVE all of these items? Our goal is to create a lifestyle not a collage of life cycles. Get rid of the ones that no longer speak to you, and donate them. Remember students, one mans junk, is another mans treasure!

Raji RM and Associates

The most fundamental rule of any successful accessory ensemble is the number of items you use cannot overwhelm the space you are decorating. See photo below. Now this room is a store. They are trying to display a beautiful collection of home decor items to peak your interest and give you lots of eye candy ( and hopefully entice you to BUY something). However, this would never work in a home. Too many items, too little space, create invalid scale and proportion. Awwww…where do I focus?, too much stuff!

Orangehomeaccessories.com

Once you have decided the surface to enhance create interest with odd numbers, group items together, and create high’s and lows. You do not want every single item to be the same height. Odd numbers push the eye to move around the surface, and this creates visual interest. No matter what accessory you are working with, an informal approach is always better. Start by placing your tallest object in the back and work your way down. Essentially creating a triangle in shape. See the green vases below? Each item is a different shape and height, and we have five total items with the art three vases, and a platter.

Olga Adler

Make sure you do not cram everything together. Your accessories demand breathing room. After you have fussed with your accessories and changed them around, you will end up with the perfect accessory combination. Make sure the balance is right, and that the surface feels right. Does it look balanced? Does it feel off? Does the arrangement intrigue the eye? If the space feels heavy a good rule of thumb to live by, if cleaning day rolls around and the surface requires a lot of labor to shift and move things around, you have probably put too many things on it.

Look at the mantle below. This is a perfect example of perfect accessorization. There are five items (odd number) each item is a different height and shape and each piece has breathing room. Beautiful to look at, and easy to clean. Bravo!

David M. Plant Interiors

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Posted: June 2, 2010 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Accessories | how to's for accessories | 2 Comments AB Homes Interiors Blog

Nashville decorator on How to design a room-Where do you start?

Along with the constant doe eyed question of “give us your loot-I mean design tips” I always get the question-Where do I start? Clients often get so overwhelmed with the design process they give up before they even step foot in a furniture store. Just like buying a car, there is a P-R-O-C-E-S-S. Too often consumers see a show, flip through a magazine, (or worse, Betty Sue across the street just had her house done!) and that sparks the urgency of redoing a room, NOW. They run out to the nearest hardware store animated and thrilled like a three year old, only to get engulfed into an overwhelming color quandary of decisions. Which blue is the right blue? Do I like blue? Maybe green is better. Maybe I should pick furniture first? Do I need to repaint the trim? Do I even have trim? And the whirlwind of terror begins! Before they even start they get stuck in a paradox, close the book on any conclusions, and find that getting lunch and a martini is much easier. (nothing a little vodka can’t solve!)

My first tip, call a designer. They are worth their weight in gold. Too often consumers think they can not afford a designer. But more often than not, you can’t afford not to. Wouldn’t it be easier to have a designer select those colors, build you a space plan, and help you select furniture that will work for the next TEN years instead of two? I cannot tell you how many times I go into a home of “recent purchases” that just don’t work. Mistake after mistake, throwing money down the drain. When you get sick you don’t self diagnose. You go to the Doctor for advise. How many of you cut your own hair? You don’t, you go to the hair stylist who is an expert on what you need.

So when you need help with your home why not get some advise from an expert who can help you avoid making costly mistakes, remove the frustration and actually make it a wonderful experience? Wouldn’t it be great to walk into that room and feel joy, instead of annoyance? No one wants to remember the salesman that talked them into a bad decision, or the day they walked out of the paint store with lime green paint cans in their hand!

Ok-Where do you start?

1) Find your inspiration. Whether it be a magazine, a jelly donut or a plate, find something that speaks to you. Not sure how? Read my post How to get inspired for more help

2) Try to narrow down some ideas on colors. You don’t have to pick the exact color-let the designer do that for you-but get an idea of what you like.

The best book on furniture styles, if your a serious furniture guru

3)Furniture styles. Are you traditional, transitional, cottage, modern, or contemporary? Don’t know? Your designer can help you with this, often times no one is one particular style they are two or three. Find some pictures of things you like. From there the details can be selected and narrowed down.

4)FOCUS!!! This is where a designer can be your most VALUABLE asset. Choose a path and stick to it. Going into a paint store or furniture store can be overwhelming. SO many pretty shiny things to grab your attention, shift your FOCUS and before you know it you catch A.D.D and once again your running around the store like a screeching three year old hopped up on candy! (might I remind you it has SUGAR in it-one of THE most important food groups!)

The best book on how to be a designer

5)Scale-Make sure the items you are looking at are the correct scale and proportion. These two elements are what make a space “right”. Ever been in a room that felt “off”? Generally one of these two things is incorrect. This is where a designer REALLY helps. Many of my clients are really good at pulling a room together with a little designer guidance. But scale and proportion is not learned, you either have it or you don’t. Get this wrong and the whole room will feel off. Can’t afford a designer? Purchase the book above. It will save your life.

6)Accessorize-Now you have all these big things: sofas, chairs, tables. Most consumers that make it this far fall short because they feel that all the hard work is done-HARDLY! Now the heavy lifting begins. The accessories are the pearls and Louboutin’s with the black dress. Without these key components, it is just-a-dress. The accessories add personality, flavor, and style to a space. Without these items the room falls flat.

A word of caution, contact your doctor, I mean designer if you experience any of the following while shopping for accessories: Urges to buy green ivy from Michael’s, (or any fake plant for that matter) including but not limited to, the fake ficus tree! Thoughts about dying if you don’t purchase fake columns, and gilded gold chubby cherubs holding harps immediately. Anxiety over tchotchkes, feeling restless and agitated, if you don’t buy MORE (it needs more stuff!). Panic attack’s and difficulty sleeping over missing out on the hobby lobby sale down the street. Any other unusual changes in behavior or mood when you get the urge to buy a poly filled pillow, as this will cause a feeling of depression and irritability. (NO MORE POLY PILLOWS!)

Do use items that are special, and smart like

Sid Dickens tiles

Popular designer accessories to hit mainstream

Designer lamps with style and personality

Some additional tips with a side of humor on updating your home

Need additional advice? Email me. Let me know your questions. And as I have mentioned, if you need help with your room or rooms look up a designer in your area. You would be surprised at how delighted and charming (absolutely delirious and crazy!) we are to work with, (just do what we say) and NO MORE POLY PILLOWS!!!!

Posted: March 3, 2010 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Accessories | Interiors | design tips | Leave a Comment AB Homes Interiors Blog

It’s officially mainstream! by Expert Nashville designer Amanda Gates

When I went to Market last summer I saw a growing interest in animals at every showroom. Every vendor had owls, fossils, fish, birds, and horses. I also noticed a strong trend in natural materials, vintage materials, jars, reclaimed wood and linen. Well my friends it’s hit mainstream! I received a pottery barn, restoration hardware, West Elm AND crate and barrel catalog, today in the mail, and all four have encompassed this trend. See for yourself.

Crate and Barrel

West Elm

Crate and Barrel

Pottery Barn

Pottery barn

Restoration Hardware

AB Home Interiors

Posted: February 4, 2010 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Accessories | color trends | Leave a Comment AB Homes Interiors Blog

D. All of the above

For those of you who frequent my blog you are aware of my post, MY life on the D list. If you haven’t read it not only are you missing out on THE greatest post ever, but that means Im SERIOUSLY lacking in sympathy and support points. I was so inspired by all my SITSta (and non SITSta) remarks that I have decided to embark on a journey, a rally of sorts that will be of colossal and enormous proportions!!!

I am announcing my new TARGET Tuesday’s!! Every week until somebody pays attention to me ( insert sad pitiful, feel-sorry-for-me-face or DAMMIT GIVE ME MY OWN LINE FACE!!!!! Which ever works first), I will be posting about all the reasons, with your support, love and encouragement, why I should have my own line at TARGET.

a) creative
b) inspiring
c) affordable
D) All of the above

Some of you may think Im crazy. (but really, who ever got anywhere with being sane!) I have admitted to having holes in my head; but that won’t stop me. A household name I am not, (MILEY CYRUS!!!!!!!!!!) but I can design, implement, and sell a product to which I am more than QUALIFIED to do. I am determined and motivated to prove that it does not take a celebrity name to create a successful line. I don’t sing, dance or sell million dollar records. But I can produce a product that everyone will appreciate and enjoy. Yes, this ideal may seem absurd. It may be foolish to think that a small scale, low key designer like myself can make a movement of this magnitude. However, like Martin Luther King, I have a dream. So Im going to put on my big girl panties, let my designer flag fly high, and dont forget ladies, to put on your pearls!

Posted: June 20, 2009 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Accessories | marketing | Leave a Comment AB Homes Interiors Blog

1) Poor scale

2) Excellent scale

1) Decorative invites or save a tree

2) To email or not

3) Where to shop

4) When to use a paper invite

5) Invitation must-haves

6) How to send and receive

1) Use florals that are simple

2) Small bouquets

3) Floral designs

4) Aromatherapy

5) Arranging your florals

1) Horses

2) Vintage Throws

3) Wallpaper

4) Pink

5) Collections

1) Taller doors

2) Raise the drapes

3) Extended cabinets

4) Mirrors

5) Rug

1) Family photos

2) Color palette

3) Art

1) First rule of thumb-dont try to do everything all at once!

2) Paint-least expensive with the biggest punch

3) Moldings. Base, crown, and waincoting

4) Move your furniture around

5) Move art

6) Paint your cabinets

1) Everyday items in new ways

2) Jewelry Storage:

3) Desk storage:

images: pinterest

1) Antique cabinet:

2) Cord management:

3) Office envy

4) Everyday in new ways:

1) Stay focused

2) Flash Cards

3) Straightening up

4) Lint rollers

5) Newspapers

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